Here’s a neat article from Real Simple Magazine that I guarantee you will find interesting at times.

For you hoarders of things…. it’s your time to shine!

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/new-uses-for-old-things/favorite-new-uses-00000000019718/index.html

I know everyone has been saying the same thing, but it’s true. It went so fast, furious and threw cold, rainy days at us when we prayed for otherwise.

I can’t say that it stopped me and mine from having the time of our lives, though!

Now that September is here, and I feel that it is the beginning of a new year of production, it’s time to buckle down.

What are your goals for this fall, winter and spring seasons coming up? I delete summer because I think that we have to take a break from as much as possible and enjoy what little of it we have.

My new goal is to blog more on my site. I want to spread the word about our interior environment having it’s effect on us and how we can improve that effect by enhancing with the little things that don’t cost a lot of money.

I am going to talk about the bargains that make us happy for our home. About the changes we can make that give us inspiration and calm, both at the same time. About the creative being we have within ourselves that can embrace our spaces so that we feel like saying “aaaaaahhhhhhhh” when we walk into our homes.

I am going to post interesting articles about organizing, time saving, clutter busting, and more.

Patti Smith

Lynne Maukonen is the lucky winner of the session at her home! I will be coming over, Lynne, and we will have a blast moving things, editing, refreshin, so that you will have a renewed look and feel when you come home. You will get re-excited about your home!

Congrats, Lynne!

Q: What is your name?A: Kerith (pronounced “care-eth”) Paterson Q:  Where do you live and how long have you been an Organizer?

A: I live North Vancouver, B.C. and I have been a Trained Professional Organizer since November 2007

 Q: You are also a photographer.  Can you explain how photography has helped you become a better organizer? 

A: The photography really complements the organizing.  It has trained my eyes to see what colors, what patterns, what groupings, etc. work together, and the importance of negative space.  It has also taught me how to gain the trust of my client. Q: If money were not a factor, what would be your occupation?A: I would be doing exactly this…my photography and my organizing, but on a bigger scale.Q: Have you always been organized, or is it something you’ve learned?A: My places of work have always been extremely organized.  My co-workers used to ask if all my shelves at home were labeled.  (They’re not!)  I have always loved digging into a space and making it functional and beautiful.  I joke that I am a true Gemini.  I can be a true slob as well – just ask my husband – so I understand both ends of it and the obstacles people face. Q:  Who is your ideal client?A: My ideal client is anyone who is looking for change in their environment – especially anyone in a transitional phase who feels stuck or at a loss as to where to begin. Q:  How do your sessions work?  Do you offer maintenance packages?A: I currently charge a flat fee for consultation and then an hourly rate after that.  Trust me; the results are well worth the investment. Q:  What do you find most rewarding in your organizing occupation?A: Nothing is more rewarding that the “I can do this” that comes over the client.Q: How “green” are you?A: I really believe that our job as organizers is so important to the environment in that it is often an eye-opener for clients as to how much stuff they have and how much they really don’t need.  I highly recommend watching www.storyofstuff.com as a good reminder.  I am always trying to keep things simple and earth-friendly. Q: Do you ever do public speaking on organizing?  A: In the next year I hope to join Toastmasters and learn to become a good public speaker.Q:  You are a very personable soul.  In regards to organizing, do you find your clients really open up to you, and put their trust in you?  How important do you think a trait like that is to have? A: Trust is crucial!  I am always truly honoured that my clients have opened their doors to me and have allowed me to help respect, reclaim and rejuvenate their space. Q:  All Organizers seem to have a favourite tool…what is yours?A: My trusty little red leather measuring tape!  I measure before I move items, before I buy items, and before I plan for clients. Q:  What is the best advice you have for up-an-coming Organizers?

A: Treat your business like any other customer-service-driven small business and get started!  There is also a telecourse (“Should I Become an Organizer”) offered on the POC (Professional Organizers in Canada) website that explains the ins and outs of Professional Organizing. 

Q: What’s the best advice you can give someone who is feeling overwhelmed organizationally?

A: We are only given one life on this planet.  Live it to its fullest.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, that’s your cue that it’s time for a change.  Just start!  If you need some motivation / guidance call someone.  A good Professional Organizer is never judgmental.  You have only time, space, confidence and peace of mind to gain. Q: What’s on the horizon?A: One important thing I had planned to do once I became a Professional Organizer is to volunteer in some capacity with the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), seeing how my company name is Visual Girl Home Therapy.  I have never taken my eyesight for granted and I cannot think of anyone more organized that a person without sight.  I am humbled by the thought and I feel I have much to learn from such an experience.  Loved meeting you Kerith… I think we will be friends for a very long time!Patti   

Travel Plans

This is it! The month that I’m about to embark on my dream trip; my trip of a lifetime… the Greek Islands. As you read this, I may be touring the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis, or having lunch overlooking the Aegean sea, or basking in the sun by the pool. It is my honeymoon!When we have travel plans, it seems that little ‘to do’ items keep cropping up, stressing us out so much that by the time we leave we really ARE ready for a vacation! Here are a few tips to help you out with all that. Get your little ‘To Do’ notebook out, and don’t forget to look at your ‘Ta Dah’ list also, as you need to feel rewarded for your efforts.Plan Your Outfits in Advance. I can’t stress this one enough. If you’re on a four-day trip, review your schedule in your head and add up the number of times you estimate you’ll need to change clothes. Then, plan what you’ll wear for each change. This will keep your travel wardrobe lean and mean, and you won’t drag along any extra pieces that you end up not wearing.Choose a Color Scheme. Plan to wear pants/skirts in one dark neutral, either black or brown. Then add tops in a light neutral (grey, tan or white). Then, add a few more pieces in shades of a single bright color such as blue or red .  Throw in some accessories and jewelry and you’re all set. Get a Smaller Bag. Parkinson’s Law states that work expands according to the amount of time available. So try buying a smaller bag and you’ll force yourself to pack lighter. Use Your Shoes As Containers. If you have to pack shoes in your luggage, remember they’re hollow, so you may as well take advantage of the space inside them. Stuff them with socks, underwear, or even other shoes.Carry one on. If you’re taking an airline or other mass transit to your destination, always carry on a small carry-on bag that contains your prescription medications, some of your cosmetics, a toothbrush/toothpaste duo, your cell phone, a change of clothes, underwear and a good book. Just in case your luggage doesn’t make it when you do, you’ll have your important items with you. Bag it. If you don’t plan on washing your clothes while you’re away, be sure to pack an empty plastic bag so your dirty items can be kept separate from your clean clothes. Bring one of those Tide To Go sticks for emergency cleanups.Bring games for the kids.
It’s definitely worth it to stop by your local travel store to find some travel games for the kids, such as Travel Bingo, magnetic checkers or coloring books. Also, don’t forget some snacks and pre-frozen boxed juices as the little ones are bound to get hungry at one point or another. A portable DVD player, or a laptop computer to watch movies could be your best friend!There’s no place like home.
Before you leave for vacation, clean your house, wash all of your laundry and make your bed. When you arrive back home after your vacation, your home will be a welcome haven.

Last week I picked out kitchen cupboards and countertop for a client. It was more fun than I thought it would be! I got thinking about spring and kitchens, so that’s the topic this month.
We all look at those magazines that have beautiful kitchen ads in it, or feature kitchens. We want our kitchen to look like that!
Try to look at your kitchen as the best it can be, accepting it for what it is, but adding the right accessories to punch up your look. Of course, to add accessories, we must remove some of what we have. Why hold on to that dated little piece that you haven’t used in eons. Kitchen accessories should be both beautiful AND functional.
Start by paring down what you have, then add a new item that you love, and voila! You’ve got yourself a fresh kitchen at a fraction of the price! 
· Look at your kitchen with subjective eyes, or ask a friend who’s taste you like, to give you an honest opinion of the overall feel of the room. What little things can be done to make a big difference?
· Look in your cupboards first. Are there things that can be donated or designated to another place of storage? This can make room for the appliances taking up space on your countertop.
· Look at the movie “No Reservations” with Catherine Zeda Jones. You’ll see a functioning kitchen in a romantic chick flick. Also, on HGTV, “Restaurant Makeover” shows some small but highly functioning restaurant kitchens. This will help your awareness of how you in YOUR kitchen, and if you need to move some things around. Are your dishes near your dishwasher? Are your pots and pans near the stove? The stove utensils? The oils and spices?
· Look up. You likely have a clock up on your wall. For $10 to $30 you can get a contemporary looking one to suit your new look.
· Look down. Do you have an old worn area rug in front of your sink? Update that look and add some colour that you haven’t thought of using in a kitchen before. There are pinks, blues, and melon colours in lots of kitchen accessories these days, from ladles to peelers, to mixers. I love the white look with a  bit of chrome for accessories. Very Ikea-ish, I know.
· Look around. Can the window treatments use a bit of freshening?  Match them up with your other accessories and be cheered.
· Look at your dishes. If they are white, then you can match them up with a fresh set of cloth napkins and stainless rings for your next dinner. Who needs a special occasion? Invite friends or family over to see your new look. You can change your dishes for a season with a set of 4 trendy ones for about $20 at a department store.
· Look at your chairs. Could they use a coat of paint or a newly upholstered seat that, of course, matches your new window treatments? A trendy look is mismatched wood chairs.
If your bank account doesn’t match your kitchen dreams just yet, let these tips elevate your satisfaction level with the kitchen you do have at this moment. Tear out kitchen pictures for your goal kitchen someday, but only when that is a priority. Living in this moment with any room of your home is a Patti-principal I try to adhere to, and worth encouraging the readers of this newsletter to do! Treat each room with the respect it deserves. It’s reward for surrounding you in a safe haven of delight!